Intervention

At Research West Behavioral Health (RWBH) we recognize that sometimes an Intervention is the only way to get a client into treatment. Oftentimes the denial and problem minimizing prevent the individual from taking the necessary steps to get the help they need.

Intervention is a planned, caring confrontation designed to raise the substance abusers awareness of their addiction and to get them into treatment before they "hit bottom", which, for many, consists of tragic consequences. For many years the common thinking was that a substance abuser or chemically dependent person...be it alcohol, illegal street drugs, or prescription medications or a combination of alcohol/drugs and mental issues (dual occurring disorders/dual diagnosis)..had to reach bottom and call out for help before anything could be done for them. Nothing could be further from the truth. If you are willing to wait until this person hits "rock bottom" before you intervene, then you may be forced to watch them destroy their lives and deeply affect the lives of their loved ones. In a way, an intervention is simply the raising of that bottom so that the addict doesn't spiral further toward self- destruction.

Intervention is also for the family and loved ones. We know that addiction/dual diagnosis are family disease(s) or disorders and t hat significant others suffer a great deal as the substance use accelerates and the consequences become more severe. Intervention supports the family in identifying and discontinuing behaviors that they have done that contribute to the sickness of the addict and the family itself. Recovery for the whole family is the ultimate focus of a good intervention. Interventions may be done in the "Johnson Model", which employs the surprise tactic, or the "Systemic Model", which is described as an invitational model . Our Team can help you determine which model will be most appropriate for your situation. Our Team Concept Interventions are best conducted by two Intervention Specialists at the time of the actual intervention, but prior to that our whole Team often meet s with the family group and people who have personal relationships with the addict. The Intervention group often include not only family members but also concerned friends, employers, medical care providers, clergy, and other influential concerned individuals.

In the Johnson Model, the family group members compile lists of specific incidents in which the addict's behavior embarrassed or hurt them. Prior to the actual intervention they meet two sometimes three times without the addict present to practice pr esenting this material to the addict. Their choice of words is critical. They learn how to describe each event in great detail but without blame or judgment. They need to convey that the addict is not a bad person but an out of control person who needs help. On the specified date and time with the addict present they express their concerns and the desire for him/her to seek treatment. They are also assisted in identifying realistic consequences that will occur if the addict refuses treatment.

In the System ic Invitational Model, the addict is informed in advance that the family has hired an interventionist and the dates and times the intervention will occur, with or without the addict present. This model provides education and support to the entire family system by identifying the signs and symptoms of the disease of addiction, behaviors that support the addiction and plans of action to get into Recovery.

Each Intervention process is helpful in teaching families to draw boundaries, express their needs and ta ke care of themselves. An Intervention will change the family dynamics by speaking directly to the problem in a healthy and direct manner.

Family intervention without a professional interventionist involved can be disastrous and lead to even further compl ications to the subject loved one and the family dynamics. It is strongly suggested that you enlist the help of a professional interventionist even if it is not through us.

We can arrange an intervention in your area and do have intervention plans that inc lude us escorting the loved subject to the Treatment Center of your choice. We can also make some recommendations of Treatment Centers that we often work with.